We here at the Weekly Volcano would never EVER lie to you, especially when it comes to one of the greatest words in the English language: FOOD.



That’s why I swear it’s just a mere coincidence that our annual, flavorful dining guide is coming out on the heels of the season finale of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”



But in my personal world, it’s more than just a little coincidence.



I’ve followed this third season of “Top Chef” like the hawk that I am, and I’ve done so for a number of reasons.



First, I’ll be quite primal by saying that I have a crush on Judge Tom Colicchio and “cheftestant” Brian Malarkey (why did they have to kick my boyfriend off?!?). There’s just something so very sexy about a handsome man (or any man for that matter) who’s in command of the back of the house.



On the feminine tip, I’ve whole-heartedly been cheering for Casey Thompson throughout the whole season because I’m a fan of her dishes and tenacity.



And honestly, I also wonder how Judge Padma Lakshmi stays so freakin’ skinny after eating all of that food.



Overall, I’m addicted to the show because I love how talented, creative and daring each of the cheftestants are. These are the very same qualities I admire in many of our South Sound chefs (one of which I do have a real-life crush on), and so much of the magic they create can be found in your very own Weekly Volcano dining guide.



We’ve cleaned our plates (and licked several of them) at more places than you can imagine to bring you the best of our region’s palate sensations, places to be, places you might’ve never thought of, and all kinds of treats that MUST be had right away.



When I’m not watching “Top Chef,” you can almost always find me at one of several establishments within that guide, enjoying in person the creativity I see on Bravo.

I can’t promise you that I’ll ever be as skinny as Padma, but she’s also never tried living here where we actually have such robust and numerous dining options in cities like Tacoma that really aren’t that big comparably.



Am I saying we’re at par with the major metros of the world? Of course not. But I can guarantee that places like Lynwood, Renton and Kent aren’t anywhere near where we are with wonderful restaurants like the Lobster Shop, Stanley and Seaforts, TwoKoi, Stadium Bistro, Pacific Grill, Sea Grill, Asado, Masa, El Gaucho, Il Fiasco, Primo Grill, The Crown Bar … and the list goes on and on!



I really do believe that what many of our chefs come up with on a daily basis would impress the “Top Chef” judges.



And now that we have this year’s Weekly Volcano dining guide, the best judge in town is none other than you.  Bon appétit!



Tell me where you like to party here.